In a major effort to boost combat capabilities of the armed forces including the Coast Guard, the Government on Thursday cleared proposals worth Rs 84,328 crore.
The acquisition will include light tanks, anti-ship missiles, new range of missiles and next generation offshore patrol vessels. Most of these weapon platforms will be procured from Indian industry.
The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh cleared the proposals at a time when China has adopted an aggressive stance in Arunachal Pradesh to change the status quo at the Line of Actual Control in Tawang.
Moreover, tension still persists in Eastern Ladakh where stand-offs persisted between the two armies for more than two years starting May 2020. Also, China has ramped up its drive to modernise its land, air and maritime capabilities by acquiring front-line fighter jets and aircraft carriers besides improving its infrastructure all along the 4,000 km long LAC stretching from Ladakh in the west to Arunachal Pradesh in the east.
Giving details of the cleared proposals, defence ministry officials said the DAC has accorded approval for Acceptance of Necessity for 24 Capital Acquisition Proposals.
The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) chaired by the Prime Minister will give the final clearance for the contracts.
This unprecedented initiative of DAC will not only help in modernising the armed forces but also provide a substantial boost to the defence industry to achieve the goal of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’.
The nod will help equip the Indian Army with platforms and equipment such as Futuristic Infantry Combat Vehicles, Light Tanks and Mounted Gun System providing a quantum jump to Indian Army’s operational preparedness.
The DAC also gave clearance for procurement of ballistic helmets, with enhanced protection level, for soldiers deployed on the LAC and Line of Control (LOC) facing Pakistan.
Approvals for procurement of naval anti-ship missiles, multi-purpose vessels and high endurance autonomous vehicles will further enhance maritime strength giving boost to Indian Navy’s capabilities.
Adding muscle to operational readiness of the IAF, its capabilities will be further strengthened with enhanced lethal capabilities by induction of new range of missile system, long range guided bombs, range augmentation kit for conventional bombs and advanced surveillance systems.
The procurement of next generation Offshore Patrol Vessels for Indian Coast Guard will enhance surveillance capability in the coastal areas to new heights.
Given the ever present threat of terrorists trying to enter India through sea routes from the vast 7,000 km coastline especially after the Mumbai terror attacks, these acquisitions will add to the Coast Guard efficiency in thwarting any challenge.